Ecocriticism

Hello Readers! I'm writing this blog in response to a thinking activity assigned by Professor Dilip Barad of the English Department at MKBU. In this blog, I will delve into the concept of Ecocriticism, drawing examples from both English literature and Bollywood films.

Environmental criticism, also known as ecocriticism and “green” criticism is a rapidly emerging field of literary study that considers the relationship that human beings have to the environment. Environmental critics explore how nature and the natural world are imagined through literary texts. Ecocriticism was a term coined in the late 1970s by combining “criticism” with a shortened form of “ecology". The science that investigates the interrelations of all forms of plant and animal life with each other and with their physical habitats. Etymologically both 'eco' and' critic' in' ecocritic' are derived from Greek and mean someone who is' an arbiter of taste' as to how the world should be kept and taken care of. In this regard, William Howarth says at the beginning of his essay 'Some Principles of Ecocriticism'; 

"Eco and critic both derive from Greek, oikos and kritis' and in tandem they mean "house judge," which may surprise many lovers of green, outdoor writing. A long-winded gloss on ecoiritic might run as follows: "a person who judges the merits and faults of writings that depict the effects of culture upon nature, with a view toward celebrating nature' berating its despoilers, and reversing their harm through political action." So the ortos is nature, a place Edward Hoagland calls Jour widest home," and the kritios is an arbiter of taste who ,"wants the house kept in good order, no boots or dishes strewn about to ruin the original decor."

As Cheryll Glotfelty noted in the Introduction to The Ecocriticism Reader, 

"Landmarks in Literary Ecology that ecocriticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment. Just as feminist criticism examines language and literature from a gender-conscious perspective, and Marxist criticism brings an awareness of modes of production and economic class to its reading texts, ecocriticism takes an earth - centered approach to literary studies."

Eco-criticism in literature:

Eco-criticism is a critical study in literature that investigates humanity's relationship to the environment. This can be found in many forms, including literature, film, or the arts. Ecocriticism aims to evaluate how humans interact with the natural world with the goal of improving how we treat the environment. Eco-critical texts can show humanity's relationship to nature in both positive and negative terms. Many modern eco-critical texts criticise Western society's approach to the environment and the ways in which humanity's duty as caretakers of the Earth has been neglected. The theory also operates in close collaboration with climate scientists and their findings.

Ecocriticism emerged in the 1960s with the start of the environmental movement and the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, but really began to take off in the 1980s. So far, there have been two waves of ecocriticism: the first in the 1980s and the second in the 1990s. 

The first wave emphasized writing about nature as both a field of study and as a meaningful practice. It maintained the distinction between human and nature, but promoted the value of nature and the need to speak and stand up for nature. People believed it was the duty of the humanities and the natural sciences together to raise awareness and come up with solutions for the environmental and climate crisis. 

The second wave expanded upon the first, broadening the reaches of environmentalism. Ecocritics of this wave redefined the term environment to include both nature and urban areas and challenged the distinctions between human and non-human and nature and non-nature. This wave also led to the ecojustice movement by examining the way that the poorest and most oppressed members of a population fall victim to the most adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. 

Ecocriticism has various subtypes, such as, pastoral, wilderness and ecofeminism. 

1. Pastoral Ecocriticism: Focuses on literary works that depict idyllic, rural landscapes and often idealize nature. It examines how these representations of nature shape our perceptions of the environment.

2. Wilderness Ecocriticism: Concentrates on literature that celebrates untamed and pristine natural landscapes. It discusses the cultural significance of wilderness and its preservation.

3. Ecofeminist Ecocriticism: Explores the intersection of environmental issues and feminist theory. It examines how gender and the environment are interconnected, often emphasizing the oppression of both women and nature in patriarchal societies.

These branches offer different lenses through which to analyze how literature and culture engage with ecological concerns.

What is anthropocentrism and ecocentrism?

Anthropocentrism and ecocentrism are two contrasting perspectives on the relationship between humans and the environment. It is claimed that the reigning religions and philosophies of Western civilization are deeply anthropocentric; that is, they are oriented to the interests of human beings, who are viewed as opposed to and superior to nature, and as free to exploit natural resources and animal species for their own purposes.

1.  Anthropocentrism:

Anthropocentrism is a human-centered view of the world where humans are considered the central or most important beings in the universe. In this perspective, the interests and well-being of human beings are prioritized, often at the expense of the natural environment. Anthropocentrism sees the environment and other species as valuable primarily in how they benefit or serve human needs and desires. This worldview tends to justify human exploitation of natural resources and ecosystems for human gain, which has often led to environmental degradation and unsustainable practices.

2. Ecocentrism:

Ecocentrism, on the other hand, is an ecologically centered view that places value on the entire ecosystem and all its components, including humans, without giving humans preferential treatment. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and their dependence on a healthy and functioning environment. In ecocentrism, the well-being of the Earth and its ecosystems is considered of intrinsic value, and humans are seen as one part of the larger ecological web. This perspective emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the preservation of biodiversity for the sake of the planet's health and balance.

Building upon White's ideas and the works of environmental thinkers like Aldo Leopold, the early proponents of first-wave ecocriticism were deeply concerned about the practice of prioritizing human interests above all other species. In response to this anthropocentric stance, they introduced the concept of "ecocentrism," closely related to "biocentrism." This approach refrains from giving special preference to any single species, including humans, within the biosphere. It's not surprising that many of these early ecocritics were drawn to the idea of "wilderness," a notion that also resonated with nature writers like Thoreau. Wilderness was perceived as an environment untouched by human influence, which explained the early ecocritics' preference for such pristine places over areas they considered "spoiled" by human activity. However, the second wave of ecocriticism has evolved to acknowledge that human beings now inhabit a significant portion of what we consider the "natural" environment on our planet. This shift in perspective coincided with the rise of "restoration ecology," an approach advocating for active human involvement in the restoration and preservation of our natural habitats. Consequently, many contemporary ecocritics no longer see the anthropocentrism/ecocentrism binary as an overly simplistic, mutually exclusive choice, understanding that there are circumstances where these two perspectives can coexist harmoniously. 

In summary, anthropocentrism places humans at the center and prioritizes human interests, while ecocentrism considers the environment as a whole and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world. These two perspectives have significant implications for how humans interact with and impact the environment. 

Examples of Ecocriticism in Indian English Literature:

In Arundhati Roy's novel 'The God of Small Things,' a prime example of ecocriticism in Indian English literature emerges through the rich depiction of the Kerala landscape and the environmental changes induced by human activities. The narrative delves into the complex relationship between society, industrialization, and the natural world, offering a critical lens to understand the ecological consequences of human actions. The novel's exploration of these themes within the context of Indian English literature highlights the profound ecocritical perspective it presents.

'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy: 

In "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" by Arundhati Roy, ecocriticism plays a significant role as the novel delves into the environmental and social consequences of political decisions and human actions. Set against the backdrop of an intricately woven narrative, the book examines issues such as land degradation, displacement of communities, and the degradation of the natural world in the context of modern India. Roy's writing not only highlights the impact of governmental policies and industrialization on the environment but also brings to the forefront the deep connections between human lives and the ecological changes that affect them. The novel's exploration of these themes adds a compelling layer to its complex narrative, making it a prime example of ecocriticism in Indian English literature.

Bollywood's Ecocritical Echoes:

Irada Movie:

In the 2017 Indian thriller "Irada," directed by Aparnaa Singh, the cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Divya Dutta, Sharad Kelkar, and Sagarika Ghatge. The story unfolds against the industrial backdrop of Bathinda, featuring thermal power plants and factories.

The central plot revolves around the daughter of a former army officer who faces a life-threatening illness. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that the cause of her illness and similar afflictions in the village is the presence of harmful chemical substances in the groundwater. The film explores the far-reaching consequences of selfish motivations on both the environment and the health of the local villagers.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you find it beneficial!

Words - 1,617